Michigan State University students and the Spartan community have an easy, sustainable way to access fresh, locally grown produce through the Student Organic Farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. First launched by the farm in 2003, the program connects students and community members directly with the farmers who grow their food.
“CSA programs are so important in a world where we are increasingly separated from the sources of our food,” says Farm Manager Darby Anderson. “They can offer a close and community-focused approach to buying your produce.”
A CSA operates on a membership model in which participants purchase a “share” of the farm’s harvest at the start of the growing season. In return, members receive a weekly selection of fresh produce throughout the season. Members enjoy a diverse variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables while developing a deeper connection to their food source. Farmers benefit from a reliable customer base and upfront funding to support operational costs.
“Our CSA members know their farmers, know where and how the produce was grown and they experience new and seasonal crops,” says Anderson. “We hope, especially for student CSA members, that participation in our program will encourage support of local farms and eating healthy for the rest of their lives.”
Each week, CSA members receive a selection of vegetables and fruits that reflect what’s currently being harvested on the farm. The Student Organic Farm offers several membership options, including a 15-week Summer Share, a five-week Peak Season Share and Fall Monthly Produce Shares.
The Summer Share runs from mid-May through the end of August and highlights the progression of Michigan’s growing season. Early-season shares may include crops such as radishes and scallions before transitioning to summer favorites like cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon and eggplant. Members experience the full range of the season as the harvest shifts from spring greens to peak-summer produce.
For those looking to enjoy the height of the harvest season, the Peak Season Share is available from late July through the end of August. Members receive produce during the farm’s most abundant growing period, including peppers, cherry tomatoes, melons and summer squash.
The Fall Monthly Produce Shares extend from September through November. These feature a mix of late-summer crops and autumn favorites, including tomatoes, onions, winter squash and apples.
Each share type is available in Full, Half and Student sizes to accommodate different household needs. The program recommends a Full Share for households of two to five or more people, while Half and Student Shares are ideal for individuals or smaller households of one to three people.
"The CSA has been well loved since its start in the spring of 2003,” says Anderson. “It has been 23 years of Student Organic Farms CSA connecting organic produce grown by MSU students to the Spartan community.”
Author: Kendal Blanchard